French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa) is a highly prized perennial herb, considered one of the fines herbes of French cuisine due to its distinct, sweet anise-like flavor. Its delicate taste is superior to that of its close relative, Russian tarragon, which is milder, tarter, and sometimes possesses a bitter aftertaste. Propagation is necessary because French tarragon rarely produces viable seeds, meaning it must be multiplied vegetatively to ensure the new plant carries the same superior characteristics. Gardeners must rely on asexual reproduction methods, either by dividing the root mass of an established plant or by encouraging new growth from a stem cutting.
The Two Primary Propagation Methods
Successfully multiplying French tarragon requires bypassing the typical process of growing from seed. Since French tarragon rarely produces viable seeds, any tarragon grown from seed is likely the inferior Russian variety. Asexual propagation ensures the resulting plants are exact genetic clones of the flavorful mother plant, maintaining the integrity of its unique culinary quality.
The two reliable techniques are root division and softwood cuttings. Root division is the preferred method for rejuvenating an established, mature clump, typically performed every two to three years to maintain plant vigor. Softwood cuttings are best utilized when the goal is to rapidly multiply existing stock or propagate a smaller plant. Both methods are generally best performed in the early spring as the plant begins its active growth cycle.
Guide to Propagating by Root Division
Root division provides a two-fold benefit: it multiplies tarragon stock while simultaneously revitalizing an aging plant that may have become woody and less productive. The optimal time is early spring, just as the first new shoots emerge. Start by carefully digging up the entire plant clump, extracting as much of the root system as possible.
Once the clump is lifted, gently brush away the excess soil to expose the rhizomatous roots. French tarragon roots are brittle, so use a sharp, sterilized knife or spade to section the root mass, rather than pulling it apart. Each new section should contain a healthy portion of the root system and at least one or two vigorous new growth buds or shoots. The goal is to obtain three to five robust new plants from one mature parent clump.
These newly separated sections should be immediately replanted in a prepared location with well-drained soil, placed at the same depth as the original plant. Thorough watering is necessary to settle the soil around the roots and minimize transplant shock. Dividing the plant every few years prevents the center of the original clump from dying out, which is common with mature perennial herbs.
Step-by-Step Softwood Cuttings
Propagating tarragon via softwood cuttings allows for multiplication without disturbing the mother clump’s root system. Cuttings should be taken from the soft, new growth of the current season, which is not yet woody. Select a healthy stem section approximately 4 to 6 inches long, making the final cut just below a leaf node, as rooting hormones are most concentrated there.
Preparation involves stripping the leaves from the lower one-third of the stem to prevent rotting once planted in the moist medium. Dipping the freshly cut end into a powdered or liquid rooting hormone is recommended to accelerate root development. The cuttings are then inserted into a sterile, well-draining rooting medium, such as a mix of sand and perlite or commercial potting soil.
The cuttings require a warm, humid environment to prevent desiccation before roots form. This can be achieved by placing a clear plastic bag or a dome over the pot, creating a mini-greenhouse effect while ensuring the plastic does not touch the foliage. The medium must be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, and the potted cuttings should be placed in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Root development typically occurs within four to six weeks, at which point the cuttings can be gently handled.
Care for Newly Propagated Tarragon
Once a tarragon cutting has developed a robust root system, or a division has established itself, the focus shifts to nurturing the new plant toward maturity. For rooted cuttings, transplant them from the rooting medium into a larger container or their permanent garden location. Handle the newly formed roots with care during this process to avoid breakage.
French tarragon thrives in full sunlight and prefers warm, well-drained soil, which helps ensure a flavorful harvest. While new divisions and cuttings require frequent watering immediately after planting to encourage establishment, mature plants prefer to dry out between waterings. Excessive moisture or poor drainage is a common cause of root rot.
Wait until the newly planted tarragon is actively growing and showing robust new shoots before beginning substantial harvesting. Light pruning of the tips encourages bushier growth and prevents the plant from becoming leggy. Allowing the plant to fully establish itself during its first growing season ensures it builds the energy reserves needed to survive dormancy and produce a strong yield in subsequent years.